Let not the sun go down on your wrath

Definitions

• encourage reconciliation
  Encourage someone to resolve a conflict or disagreement before the end of the day, in order to prevent bitterness or resentment from lingering

Examples of Let not the sun go down on your wrath

• John and his wife had a heated argument earlier that day. As the sun began to set, John knew it was important to de-escalate the situation before the end of the day. He said to his wife, "Let not the sun go down on your wrath. Let's talk this through and find a resolution before nightfall."

  This idiom urges someone not to let a disagreement or anger linger into the night. It's a polite way to suggest that it's better to resolve an argument before it festers and becomes more serious. In the context of the example, John is trying to prevent his wife's anger from building up and causing further harm to their relationship. By addressing the issue before the end of the day, they can both calm down and come to a resolution.

• Sarah and her friend, Mark, had a heated argument about a business deal gone wrong. Sarah was furious and stormed out of the room, leaving Mark behind. Mark knew that Sarah was usually a calm and reasonable person, and he didn't want their disagreement to escalate any further. In order to prevent things from getting worse, Mark called Sarah and begged her to come back and talk things over. Sarah agreed, and the two of them resolved their differences before the end of the day.

  In this example, "Let not the sun go down on your wrath" is used to encourage Sarah to resolve her anger with Mark before the end of the day. The idiom means that people should try to reconcile their differences before nightfall, as it can be harder to resolve conflicts in the dark. This idiom is commonly used in situations where people need to put aside their differences and work together, rather than letting anger and resentment fester overnight. By resolving their issues before the end of the day, Sarah and Mark were able to avoid any unnecessary tension that could have arisen from letting their anger simmer overnight.

Conclusion

The idiom "Let not the sun go down on your wrath" is used to urge individuals to make peace with others and resolve conflicts before the end of the day, in order to prevent negative feelings from lingering. It emphasizes the importance of addressing and resolving issues in a timely manner to avoid harboring resentment or bitterness.

Origin of "Let not the sun go down on your wrath"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically to the book of Ephesians in the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:26, it is written, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." This verse is a part of a passage that advises on how to live a righteous and harmonious life, and it emphasizes the importance of not allowing anger to fester and cause harm. The idiom has been derived from this biblical verse and has since been used to convey the message of resolving conflicts and promoting peace in various contexts. It serves as a reminder to address grievances and seek reconciliation in a timely manner, rather than allowing negative emotions to persist. The idiom has been widely adopted and is often used in both religious and secular settings to encourage individuals to make amends and maintain positive relationships.